Latest articles by Ruth Emery
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What is the state pension triple lock?
The UK state pension triple lock is loved by pensioners but hated by economists. But what is the triple lock – and what does its future hold?
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Can I shield my ISAs from inheritance tax?
Many investors and savers will be wondering if there’s anything they can do to protect their ISAs from inheritance tax, especially as pensions will become liable for the levy from April 2027. We reveal the options available to ISA customers
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Hargreaves Lansdown slashes fees for ISA and SIPP investors - how does it compare to other providers?
Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s biggest investment platform, has dropped its fees by 40%, to their lowest ever level, for certain customers. Is it a good deal, and how does it compare to other providers?
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State pension rises, but more pensioners face being taxed
The state pension has increased thanks to the triple lock, but frozen tax bands means more pensioners will start to pay tax.
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Best-performing funds and investment trusts for stocks and shares ISAs of all time
As ISAs celebrate their 26th birthday, we reveal the best-performing funds and investment trusts since stocks and shares ISAs launched in April 1999, and how much they would be worth today
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How much should I pay into a pension?
One of the trickiest parts of retirement planning is working out how much to pay into a pension. We explore what to consider when deciding how much to contribute
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State pension top-up: HMRC to contact thousands of people following 5 April deadline error
News Thousands of customers were unable to fill gaps in their National Insurance (NI) record and boost their state pension on Saturday, as HMRC incorrectly said the deadline had passed
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Review: Constance Lemuria and Ephelia – two Indian Ocean idylls
Ruth Emery visits Constance Lemuria and Constance Ephelia in the Seychelles for sun, sea and some of the best sushi she has ever had
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Beware the savings tax trap: 2 million savers face paying tax on their interest
Advice Millions of people will pay tax on their cash savings in 2024/25, up from about 650,000 three years ago. We outline clever ways to shelter your cash from the taxman
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Chase will change cashback deal on Monday - what it means for you
Chase Bank is making its cashback deal less generous from 7 April. We explain what’s changing
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How much does it cost to move house?
If you're looking to relocate, you may be wondering how much it costs to move house. We breakdown the costs - everything from conveyancing, survey, removals, stamp duty, estate agent fees plus EPC
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Checklist: 10 easy moves to save you money before the end of the 2024/25 tax year
Tips The end of the 2024/25 tax year is fast approaching. We’ve put together an action plan so you can maximise valuable tax breaks and allowances before they disappear on 5 April
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Could these six collectables make you rich?
Investing Which collectables are worth owning? From vintage toys to handbags, books and wine, we look at which items could be worthy investments and potentially make you a small fortune
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Vanguard fee warning: small investors urged to act now after £4 monthly charge kicks in
Vanguard customers with portfolios smaller than £32,000 should review their account urgently to avoid overpaying, after a £4 monthly charge kicked in last month
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Child benefit tax return rules are changing – what is the high income child benefit charge?
High-earning parents will soon be spared the hassle of filing a tax return to pay back child benefit. We explain what’s changing and how the high income child benefit charge (HICBC) works
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Pensioner incomes have been stagnant since 2010, says DWP
The average pensioner income sits at £407 a week, up by just £15 compared to 2010. Will incomes increase in future, and what could happen to the state pension?
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Should you overpay your mortgage or invest?
Homeowners in the fortunate position of having spare cash may be weighing up if they should use it to reduce their mortgage debt or invest it. We explain which one might work best for you
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Are regular savings accounts worth it?
A 7% interest rate is eye-catching, but how much can you save in a regular saver account and how does the interest rate work exactly?
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10 years of pension freedoms: what choices have pension savers made?
Since April 2015, older savers have been able to take money directly from their pension, rather than buying an annuity. We look at the impact of pension freedoms - and how savers have spent their cash
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Heathrow closures: How to claim compensation for travel delays
A fire near Heathrow has forced the airport to close, resulting in over 1,300 flights either delayed or cancelled. What compensation can you get if your flight is cancelled or delayed?
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Hargreaves Lansdown takeover: what it means for your money
Britain’s biggest investment platform has agreed a £5.4 billion takeover. What does it mean for shareholders and customers?
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Could Labour introduce a 2% wealth tax?
As the chancellor puts the final touches to next week’s Spring Statement, there are growing calls for a 2% wealth tax to be introduced. Campaigners say it would tackle economic inequality and raise billions of pounds in revenue
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Who will miss out on the state pension triple lock?
Not all pensioners have their state pensions increased each year in line with the triple lock. We explain who misses out
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Annuity rates hit 16-year high - is now a good time to buy an annuity?
Annuity incomes have reached their highest level since December 2008, while sales of the pension product are also soaring. Should you buy an annuity?
